Creating Environments That Facilitate Independence

The Hidden Dependency Trap

Abstract

The relationship between the modification of environments and the development of independent competence in children who are blind or visually impaired is discussed. Reasons for changing physical and social environments forchildren with vision problems and the ensuing benefits and costs of such modifications aredescribed. Concepts presented call into question traditional approaches to environmental adaptations. Finally, several examples and questions are suggested in order to provide guidance for modifying any physical or social situation for children who are blind or visually impaired.